Au Frais 2024

“Au Frais” — French for “keep cool.” For years, I thought the grapes for my chilled red wine came from a distinct Gamay Noir clone I’d set apart from my other Gamay wine. Then a French ampelographer wandered the rows and wondered if it just might be something else. DNA confirmed it — the Heritage clone is, in fact, an unknown clone of Pinot Noir.  

This Pinot Noir was my first pick for the 2024 vintage from the Two Terraces vineyard in the Mangatahi Terraces, Hawke’s Bay. Ian and Linda Quinn are conscientious and detail oriented growers with the quality of their grapes being exceptional & well sought after.

Made in the spirit of Gamay and Beaujolais style, with a gentle carbonic maceration, the wine was then pressed to tank and was a beautiful deep garnet colour. The next day, when I opened the valve, a stream of hibiscus-pink wine flowed out. It was unexpected, a little alarming at first, but on tasting, it revealed itself: red currants, strawberries, pomegranate, all wrapped in a textured, lingering finish. 

This wine is perfect for all throughout the year, I definitely recommend to drink cold or lightly chilled. Also a great food wine! Spicy foods, charcuterie, fish, grilled veggies and cheese.

No additions at any stage, including sulphur. The wine is unfiltered and unfined. The grapes are certified organic and my rows have been farmed biodynamically since 2020.

Shipping is only available in New Zealand.